After a long wait, the newest member of the Pro Tools family is just around the corner: Pro Tools 8 has been previewed at AES!

Not only has the interface been improved greatly, but several new features have been introduced, including fantastic virtual instruments, pitch-correction and amp simulator plug-ins, and on-board sampling suites -- not to mention the track count in Pro Tools LE has been greatly expanded!

Check out the preview we posted here.

As the 125th AES convention opens in San Francisco this morning, Future Sonics, the originators of the in-ear monitor, have announced another upgrade to their phenomenal Atrio Series earphones: alongside the m5 (black) and m8 (cobalt blue), Future Sonics will now offer the m3 (skintone beige) and m9 (ruby red). Available soon via FutureSonics.com and their select distribution partners, the new colors will feature the same stunning sound quality of the Future Sonics Atrio Version 2, as reviewed here.

This AES show is shaping up to be a fantastic year for new gear, and we'll be bringing it to you live as it happens!

When the AES convention opens in San Francisco this weekend, many great companies are releasing new products alongside new training and education programs for live sound & recording engineers of all skill levels -- and we'll be bringing you live coverage as it happens!

Among the great new products are Heil's PR35 vocal microphone, building on the success of the PR30. It offers an extended frequency response, roll-off switch, and internal shock mounting to allow better handling noise. Also being introduced is an eight-channel mixer attachment for Sound Devices' eight track 788t hard disk recorder, a favorite of many home recordists and field tapers.

Among the new training programs announced, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems will be offering new classes during AES on both networking for digital audio applications and mixing with the famous Yamaha PM5D console.

Stay tuned for live coverage of AES, starting October 5!

We've been looking at some complex topics lately -- from mastering to hearing conservation and beyond. Starting this week, in a special newsletter course, we're going back to the very beginning: getting started in recording and audio. Let's go back and take a look at the very basics of all things recording.

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